Apparel-corset.



No. 644,930. Patented lar. s, [9001.

M. W. LAWRENCE.

APPAREL CORSET.

- (Application flied Nov. 20, 1897. Renewed Mar. a, 1899. (No Modal.)

7 11537260 Wzawmzwa \A/ITNEEIEEE- Miran States- PATENT Grace.

MINNIE IV. LAWRENCE, OF WINCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

APPAREL-CORSET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 644,930, dated March 6, 1900. Application filed November 20, 1897. Renewed March 8, 1899- Serial No. 708,289. (No model.)

To (tZ-Z wlwm it may concern Be it known that I, MINNI W. LAWRENCE,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Win ing drawings, and to figures of reference.

marked thereon, which form a partof this specification.

This invention relates to improvements in corsets. In general the corset is intended to confine and properly shape certain portions of the human body.

The object of my invention is not to shape by pressing and restricting the body, but to increase the proportions and by such increment to improve and make more shapely such portions as are defective or lacking in the natural qualities requisite to produce astandard or anatomical figure.

The drawings represent, in Figure l, a rear quartering perspective view of a corset embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a front quartering perspective elevation of a similar] y-dee signed corset. Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional elevation.

As before premised, the object of my corset is not to confine and in this way mold the figure to the proper anatomical shape, but to increase the dimensions of the body at points Where the body is lacking in proper normal development. Thus under my invention I propose to combine in a single corset means by which the bust of the wearer may be shaped as fashion or choice may dictate; furthermore, in a device by which the hip measurement may be increased, and likewise in the lengthening of the corset in the form of a short skirt to provide for a bustle when such is desired. Thus in my improved corset it will be seen that I have embodied three peculiar features which have been produced heretofore by three distinct devices.

In the ordinary corset the upper edge of this article of apparel is about even with the armpits, while the lower edge extends in approximately a straightline about the top of the hips.

extensions 5 5.

The peculiar features of my invention are embodied inafront portion projecting above the armpits and in a rear portion or pendent skirt extending considerably below the top of the hips.

In the drawings a corset embodying my improvements is shown as composed of a body 2, terminating in the upper back portion, as usual, at 4:. The lower front portion, how ever, is somewhat shorter, and in lieu of being rounded is brought down straight and is intended to be very nearly in a vertical line. In addition, and particularly where the wearer is flat-chested, I provide twin similarly-shaped These commence at the armpits and extend upwardly to a point 6 on the neck and thence continue to a common point centrally on the breast. These extensions are to be suitably stiffened with ribs or stays 7, which are to be given the proper contour. Thus a person lacking proper development in this part of the body is artificially given a plumper shape, and this is obtained without padding, which is necessarily very warm and unpleasant in its effects upon the wearer. Similarly and with the same object in viewnamely, a symmetrical increase in the shape of the hipsI .provide an inner lining 8, which is supposed to fit the person of the wearer, While the exterior or corset-cover 9 is superimposed. Between these two are disposed a plurality of coiled springs 10 or other devices of a spring-like character. These devices are to be-of such size and so positioned between the two covers as to give the desired effect in the increase of the proportions to conform with correct anatomy or the wishes of the wearer. Beneath the armpits, where frequently a lack of fullness occurs, I propose to duplicate the arrangement just before alluded to as applied to the hipsthat is, the inner lining at this point is to fit the person and the corset-cover is given the requisite fullness by means of the springs 10. In addition to the springs stays or bones 12, which run longitudinally, are employed, and these are to cooperate with said springs, the latter giving the desired fullness, while the stays create the proper vertical curves of the body. In lieu of terminating in a line coincidentwith the lower front portion 3, as usual, the lower rear portion is extended to form a pendent flap or skirt 13, which likewise serves as a bustle.

It will be seen that under my arrangement and method of construction the corset may be made very light, and yet the desired increase in the proportions can be obtained very readily and without adding materially to the weight or the warmth. By the disposal of the stays 12 and the position and size of the springs any increase may be produced about the hips, while the desired and proper graceful lines still continue.

From examination of the drawings and reference to Fig. 2 it will be seen that the pendent flap or skirt commences at opposite corresponding points on the sides of the hips in a line beneath the armpits and extends continuously about the rear of the corset. However, I do not limit myself to this precise construction.

What I consider as my invention is embodied in a corset for a symmetrical increase in the contour and shape of the body at certain points, and which is produced by two front extensions upon'the upper edge of the corset and a pendent 'skirt about the rear lower portion of the corset, and, furthermore, in interposed spring mediums between said body of said corset comprising a lining or inner ply of material 8 extending from the top to the bottom thereof, and an outer ply or cover also extending from the top to the bottom thereof with interposed springs to hold the front upper, and side and rear lower portions of the said cover outward or away from the said lining or inner ply of material, so as to give an apparent shapely figure to the wearer.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

MINNIE XV. LAWRENCE.

Witnesses:

FRANCIS O. STANWOOD, H. E. LODGE. 

